



COF»tIGHT DEPOSm 



n 



JESUS, LOVER 
OF MY SOUL 



HUGH OSTERHUS 




BOSTON 

THE GORHAM PRESS 
1918 



Copyright, 1918, by Hugh Osterhus 



All Rights Reserved 






The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



JUN-3lyl8 
ICI.A497590 



.^^ I 



fj.lS'^ 



To 
My Wife 



JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL 

Jesus, Lover of my soul. 
Let me to Thy bosom fly. 
While the waters nearer roll, 
While the tempest still is high! 
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide. 
Till the storm of life is past; 
Safe into the haven guide; 
O receive my soul at last! 

Other refuge have I none; 
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee: 
Leave, oh, leave me not alone. 
Still support and comfort me! 
All my trust on Thee is stayed. 
All my help from Thee I bring: 
Cover my defenceless head 

With the shadow of Thy wing. 

****** 

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, 
Grace to cover all my sin; 
Let the healing streams abound; 
Make and keep me pure within. 
Thou of life the fountain art. 
Freely let me take of Thee: 
Spring Thou up within my heart. 
Rise to all eternity. 

— C. Wesley 



5'^ 



JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL! 

Jesus Christ, my only Saviour, 
Heartily Thy name I laud ; 
Notwithstanding my behavior 
Thou hast loved me, Lamb of God. 

Thou hast died in woe and sadness. 
Freeing me from great distress; 
I have hated Thee in madness — 
Thou hast loved me ne'ertheless. 

And Thy love will never waver, 
Never wilt Thou be untrue; 
Kindly wilt Thou show me favor 
With each day and hour anew. 

When life's sorrow like a story 
That is finished will be o'er. 
Thou wilt show me, Lord, Thy glory. 
Thou wilt love me evermore. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Jesus, Lover of My Soul 6 

Our Lord 

Our Lord I3 

The Second Adam H 

Jesus Our Helper I4 

He Loves Us So i5 

Our Hero i6 

The Lord Is My Shepherd i? 

The Shepherd Psalm i8 

The Good Shepherd x8 

Jesus, Shepherd Mine I9 

1 Am Satisfied 20 

Savior, We Delight in Thee 20 

We Are Thine 21 

Hail, Thou Lord of Sabaoth 22 

Son of God, Hear My Confession 22 

Immanuel, Protect Our Helpless Hearts 23 

**Lo, I Am With You Alway" 24 

For Me To Live Is Christ, and To Die Is Gain 24 

Toward Heaven, My Home, I Wander 25 

The Rose of Sharon 26 

God's Word and the Church Year 

What the Law Demands 29 

The Gospel 30 

7 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Before the Sermon 31 

Search Thy Breast 31 

Advent Sunday 32 

The Sweetest Story Ever Told 33 

From Jesse's Generation 34 

I Feel Like Crying for Joy 35 

Another Year of Grace 35 

In Our Savior's Name 36 

The New Year 37 

New Year's Reflections 38 

Alone by Faith 39 

The Easter Message 41 

Sweet Easter Bells 42 

The Lord is Risen 43 

When Easter Dawns 44 

Easter 44 

Christ Returned to Heaven on High 45 

Pentecostal Prayer 46 

Trinity Sunday 47 

Our Assurance 48 

Luther Emerged Victoriously 48 

The Church's Reformation 49 

Four Hundred Years Ago 49 

The Time is Drawing Nigh 51 

Thanksgiving Day 52 

Faith and its Fruits 

The Folly of Atheism 55 

We Shall Understand 56 

The Just Shall Live by Faith 56 

8 



CONTENTS 

Page 

The First Psalm 57 

The Fruit of Faith 58 

Thrice Happy Hearts 59 

Because the World Is Money-Mad 59 

The Christian Life 60 

Lessons for Children 60 

Let Us Be True Christians 61 

Missionary Hymn 61 

Also for Them 62 

Rejoice Evermore 62 

Again the Night Has Ended 63 

Each Day 63 

The Lord's Prayer 64 

Before They Call, I Will Answer 65 

God's Great Eternity 65 

My Prayer 66 

Believe In God 67 

Our Treasures 68 

God's Grace 68 

Nature and Other Subjects 

Spring Is Near 71 

Snovi^flakes and Roses 71 

A Spring Day 72 

The Glories of Spring 72 

In Springtime 72 

So Is a Great Idea 73 

Returning From a Walk 73 

God's Goodness 73 

The Rain Poured Dovv^n Abundantly 74 

9 



CONTENTS 

Page 

With My Wife and Child 75 

Home-keeping Hearts Are Happiest 76 

To-day I Visited My Friend 76 

One Man Is Very Rich 77 

The Blessings of Labor 77 

Lines Concerning a Work to be Performed. . . 77 

To-day We Met in Conference 78 

A Prayer for Peace 78 

Peace 79 

Home 80 



10 



OUR LORD 



OUR LORD 

We would not like to live 
Without our Lord ; 
To Him our hearts we give 
With one accord. 

We were baptized and learned 
His grace and love, 
By which for us He earned 
A home above. 

We are His members dear, 
He is our Head. 
How sweet it is to hear 
The words He said! 

These words which we believe 
Make us content, 
And gladly we receive 
His Sacrament. 

He leads us every day ; 
We are His own. 
Let us commit our way 
To Him alone! 



13 



THE SECOND ADAM 

Rom. V, 15, i8j ig 

We were reduced by Adam's fall 

To sin and death and Satan's thrall, 

Until the second Adam came, 

Who freed the world from guilt and shame. 

For as by one all were enslaved^ 
So by One also all were saved; 
As sin by one man did abound. 
So grace and truth in One are found. 

As condemnation came by one, 
So One forgiveness for us won; 
As one caused death with all its woes. 
So One eternal life bestows. 

For what was lost by Adam's fall 
Our Saviour did regain for all 
When He for all on Calvary 
Atonement made so graciously. 

JESUS OUR HELPER 

We're children here that do not know 
Their going out and coming in ; 
Alone our Saviour can bestow 
True help on us despite our sin. 

What would all earthly things avail, 
If Jesus Christ would not be nigh 
And lend us aid when foes assail, 
When troubles grieve and multiply? 
14 



What could poor human reason do 
To guide us safely through the maze 
Of baffling tasks, which would undo 
The labors of our former days? 

But Jesus leads us in His way, 
Forgiving our iniquities 
Until our coming Easter Day 
Will end this world of vanities. 

HE LOVES US SO 

Christ is our souls' Physician 
Who cures our inmost woe 
And frees us from perdition — 
Because He loves us so. 

To save us He did languish 
And thus o'ercame our foe; 
He sufEered deadly anguish, 
Because He loved us so. 

In heav'n He will receive us, 
Yea, even here below 
He'll never, never leave us, 
Because He loves us so. 

True love and consecration 
This Friend we surely owe 
And praise and adoration — 
Because He loves us so. 



15 



OUR HERO 

In olden tales of chivalry 
Of admirable knights we read, 
Who by some grand heroic deed 
Great honors won and victory. 

We read of Siegfried strong and bold 
Whom Hagen treacherously slew; 
Of Arthur, Britain's ruler, too. 
And his round table, famed of old. 

Of Roland, champion of Charlemagne 
And star of chivalry, who fought 
To aid the wronged and great deeds wrought 
Until he found his death in Spain. 

And of so many a mother's son 
These fanciful romances tell 
Who vanquished dangers thick and fell, 
Not resting till his tasks were done. 

But let us from these legends old 
Turn to our God's unerring Word, 
To Jesus Christ, our gracious Lord ; 
He is indeed a Hero bold. 

He is our truly peerless Knight, 

Who overcame all bitter foes 

Of our salvation, and arose. 

On Easter showing forth His might. 

Then He ascended gloriously 
To heaven, where we too shall go, 
And sits there, freed from cross arid woe. 
Crowned with eternal majesty* 
i6 



On Whitsunday He kindly sent 
The Comforter from heaven's throne, 
That we might not be left alone, 
And gave us Word and Sacrament. 

He is our mighty Paladin; 
Ends of the world, in Him confide 
And steadfastly in Him abide, 
Because He saves our souls from sin. 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL 

NOT WANT 

My Shepherd cares for me; I am content; 

Oh, how I love His Word and Sacrament! 

O'er verdant fields He leads me to my goal; 

Beside still waters He restores my soul. 

Yea, though I walk through death's dark shadows, 

still 
I tremble not, because I fear no ill. 
For Thou art nigh ; I put my trust in Thee ; 
Thy rod and stafif, dear Saviour, comfort me. 
Anointed with Thy Spirit from on high, 
I walk in paths of righteousness and joy. 
Thy table cheers my heart, my cup o'erflows 
Before the very faces of my foes. 
Goodness and mercy follow me each day. 
And in God's temple shall I dwell for aye. 



17 



THE SHEPHERD PSALM 

{Another version) 

The Lord, my Shepherd, feeds me graciously; 
He makes me to lie down on verdant meads 
Beside still brooks, supplying all my needs ; 
He fills my soul with sweet tranquillity. 

He leads me in the path of righteousness 
For His name's sake. Yea, though I pass the vale 
Of death's dark shadow, yet I turn not pale: 
For Thou- art nigh ; Thy rod and staff I bless. 

Thou hast prepared a table lovingly 
Before me in the presence of my foes ; 
My cup, O bounteous Giver, overflows; 
With Oil of Gladness Thou anointest me. 

Goodness and mercy follow me each day, 
In times of storm or sunshine, weal or woe, 
Unceasingly, wherever I may go ; 
And in God's house shall I abide for aye. 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD 

A picture in my study speaks to me 

Of Him who saves the sinner graciously: 

The Son of God seeks in the wilderness 
The weary sheep in trouble and distress. 

It suffers so from hunger, thirst, and frost; 
And He would save the sheep, for it is lost. 
i8 



Thank God ! He hurries, and His arm is nigh ; 
He holds the sheep — it need not, will not die. 

This picture has great power to console, 
For in the sheep I recognize my soul. 

When I was born a child of wrath and shame. 
He found me and baptized me in His name. 

O JESUS, SHEPHERD MINE 

(From the German) 

Jesus, Shepherd mine, 

1 follow Thee alone; 
All strangers I mistrust, 
They only seek their own. 
The hireling leaves his post. 
When danger draweth near; 
But Thou art kind and true, 
To Thee I will adhere. 

O may I evermore 
Thy gentle voice obey 
And not distrust Thy grace. 
Nor from Thy sheepcote stray. 
But daily cast my load 
Of sin and care on Thee; 
For Thou hast proved Thy love 
On Golgotha to me. 



19 



I AM SATISFIED 

On Calvary my Saviour died, 
And earned eternal life for me, 
To which He leads me lovingly — 
Why should I not be satisfied? 

He also keeps me well supplied 
With each and every thing I need; 
He is a glorious Friend indeed — 
Why should I not be satisfied ? 

The Son of God is at my side 
In every trouble, every pain. 
For no one trusts in Him in vain- 
Why should I not be satisfied? 

If I am only with my Guide, 
Then come what may, I shall not quail, 
I shall not even fear death's vale — 
In life and death I'm satisfied. 



SAVIOUR, WE DELIGHT IN THEE 

Saviour, Thou art always near us. 

We delight in Thee ; 

No one else could ever clear us 

Of iniquity. 

Neither men nor angels sought us 

And redeemed our bitter loss ; 

Thou alone hast dearly bought us 

On the shameful cross. 



20 



Thou hast called us to inherit 

Heaven's blissful land, 

And wilt keep us by Thy Spirit 

Safely in Thy hand. 

Lord, though we grow weak, and falter 

In our faith and love, 

Thou art strong, and dost not alter, — 

Thou art from above. 

Neither high nor lowly station, 
Neither friend nor foe, 
Neither sin's abomination 
Nor a world of woe, 
Neither pleasure nor disaster, 
Neither heav'n nor earth and sea, — 
Nothing, nothing, dearest Master, 
Severs us from Thee. 



WE ARE THINE 

(After the German of J. Sturm) 

Our hearts are in heaven wherever we be ; 
Lord Jesus, our hearts are in heaven with Thee. 
For we are Thy own, Thou hast bought us with 

blood. 
And pardoned and cleansed us in Baptism's flood. 

We sat in the prison of darkness and gloom, 
Our sins made us helpless and hastened our doom ; 
But Thou hast released us from bondage and cares, 
Hast filled us with joy, and hast made us Thy heirs. 

No longer we're naked^ Lord, sightless, and lame; 
The robe of Thy righteousness covers our shame ; 
21 



Our eyes are enlightened, Thy gifts we behold, 
Thy grace and Thy peace, which are better than 
gold. 

Thou leadest us, bearing our standard, the cross ; 
We do not look back to the world with its dross, 
But follow Thy steps to the city divine 
To dwell there forever, because we are Thine. 

HAIL, THOU LORD OF SABAOTH 

Nazarene, Thou art no dreamer, 
Thou art truly Man and God, 
Our Messiah and Redeemer, 
Abram's Seed and Jesse's Rod. 

Son of Man, so kind and tender, 
Present Helper in our need. 
Far from being a pretender. 
Thou art very God indeed. 

Man of Sorrows, pale and gory, 
Yet almighty God in troth. 
Prince of Peace and King of Glory, 
Hail, Thou Lord of Sabaoth ! 

SON OF GOD, HEAR MY CONFESSION 

Son of God, hear my confession! — 
Though my heart is full of sin. 
Yet a hearing I shall win, 
For Thy grace is my possession. 

Great indeed is my transgression; 
But Thou hast forgiven me 
All my guilt and levity. 
Now Thy peace is my possession. 
22 



Spiritual retrogression 

Oft my soul has mortified ; 

Yet my joy and hope abide, 

For Thy strength is my possession. 

Scarcely can I find expression 
For the thoughts that move my heart : 
Lord, how good and kind Thou art, 
E'en Thy heav'n is my possession. 

Never will I let depression 
Henceforth cloud Thy faithfulness ; 
I am all unrighteousness, 
Thou Thyself art my possession! 

IMMANUEL, PROTECT OUR HELPLESS 
HEARTS 

Immanuel, protect our helpless hearts 
From Satan's anger and his fiery darts. 
But also from our evil flesh and blood. 
And from the wicked world's seductive arts. 

These cruel foes assail us constantly ; 
But, Lord, we put our confidence in Thee, 
For Thou art with us every day and hour, 
Still helping us to gain the victory. 

We have Thy holy Word and Sacrament ; 
Especially the blessed days of Lent 
Have placed Thy cross before our eyes again; 
And when we see Thy cross, we are content. 

Be with us, Jesus Christ, by day and night. 
Teach us to hate the wrong and love the right ; 
Direct our faltering steps continually. 
And lead us homeward by Thy gracious might. 
23 



"LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY" 

Our Lord is with us every day; 
This promise is a blessed ray 
Of consolation on our way. 

He's with us in our joy and plight, 

Yea, even in the darkest night. 

With His deep wisdom and great might. 

Alway, He says, I am with you; 
Then let us labor, dare anew. 
For all His words are surely true. 

For the performance of each task 

His help and favor let us ask 

And in His love's warm sunshine bask. — 

Our Lord is with us every hour; 

This promise is a blessed dower 

Of comfort full of strength and power. 

"FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO 
DIE IS GAIN" 

Phil. 7, 21 

Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour dear. 
Thy love has rescued me 
From sin and guilt, from gloom and fear; 
Now I am glad and free. 

I need not tremble nor despair 
Before death's dark abyss. 
For I'm a child of God, an heir 
Of everlasting bliss. 
24 



I thank Thee for Thy sweat, Thy pain, 
Thy death on Calvary's cross. 
Thou art my life, death is my gain; 
Without Thee all is loss. 

TOWARD HEAVEN, MY HOME, I 
WANDER 

Toward heaven, my home, I wander 
And sing my happy lay; 
The Saviour's love I ponder, 
Whatever the world may say. 

Since He has healed my blindness, 
I see the light of day 
And praise His grace and kindness. 
Whatever the world may say. 

His holy steps I follow. 
Though narrow be the way; 
Its joys are never hollow, 
Whatever the world may say. 

The fruit of sinful pleasures 
Is darkness and decay, 
But I have lasting treasures, 
Whatever the world may say. 

And Jesus has foretold me 
That I should live for aye; 
This faith and hope uphold me. 
Whatever the world may say. 



25 



THE ROSE OF SHARON 

Walking through a valley green, 
I beheld a blossom there 
Beautiful beyond compare, 
Such as I had never seen. 

Since that hour I'm dwelling there. — 

Never from the place I go. 

For it satisfies me so 

To behold the flower fair. 

Christ, Thou art the thornless Rose, 
For in Thee, Redeemer kind, 
My immortal soul doth find 
Sweetest pleasure and repose. 



26 



GOD'S WORD AND THE CHURCH YEAR 



WHAT THE LAW DEMANDS 

The Law demands that we 
Should serve our God alone; 
The only living God is He 
Who sits on heaven's throne. 

To Him we are to pray 
And praise His gracious name; 
We are to keep His holy-day 
And spread His glorious fame. 

The children should obey; 
Obedience God will bless 
With length of life and with the ray 
Of earthly happiness. 

We should not hate or kill, 
Commit adultery, 
Steal, or transgress Jehovah's will 
By fraud or usury. 

False witness and all greed, 
Envy and covetousness 
We should avoid, and always lead 
A life of holiness. 

Alas! we cannot keep 
The Law of God, our Lord ; 
We are by nature wayward sheep, 
And sin against His Word. 

But when our misery 
Would drive us to despair. 
We flee to cross-crowned Calvary, 
And find true solace there. 
29 



THE GOSPEL 

Hark, sinners from each land and clime, 
Whatever be your fault or crime, 
You are invited by the chime 
Of the Gospel. 

Jehovah's Son from heaven came 
And died to rid you of all blame, 
He saves those trusting in His name; 
That's the Gospel. 

God's love will never be repealed ; 
His gracious counsel is unsealed, 
His highest glory is revealed 
In the Gospel. 

Believe what Jesus' words impart, 
They free you from the devil's smart, 
Firmly rely with all your heart 
On the Gospel. 

Let these glad tidings be your choice 
And in God's holy place rejoice, 
Thanking the Lord with joyful voice 
For the Gospel. 

But many are left in night and gloom; 
O save them from eternal doom, 
In paradise there is still room, — • 
Spread the Gospel! 



30 



BEFORE THE SERMON 

With joy I will portray 

The Son of God to-day 

By preaching to my congregation 

The blessed Word of our salvation. 

May I perform this art 
With a believing heart, 
Sincerity, ability, 
And with unfeigned humility. 

O may it be my aim 

To glorify God's name 

And serve my hearers, — not myself 

By preaching for the sake of pelf. 

May I not preach in vain 

The Gospel pure and plain, 

But may it lead the hearers' heart 

To choose and keep the needful part. 

Then will I sing each day 

Christ's praises while I may, 

Who made the Christians by His Spirit 

And saves the world without its merit 

SEARCH THY BREAST! 

'Examine yourselves, whether ye be in faith; prove 
your own selves." 2 Cor. 13, 5 

Glad tidings have been preached, 
The Gospel has been heard, 
But has thy heart been reached 
By God's most precious Word? 
31 



Has Christ's redeeming power, 
Cheering thy mind and soul 
During this sacred hour, 
Saved thee and made thee whole? 

Or is thy heart like stone, 
Untouched, unmoved within, 
Forsaken and alone 
In the dark realm of sin? 

O hearer, search thy breast 
Before it is too late; 
Be willing to be blessed, 
And shun the sinner's fate! 

ADVENT SUNDAY 

Again Thou comest to Thy own, 
O Prince of Peace, to-day. 
Within our hearts ascend Thy throne 
And ever there hold sway. 

By Word and Sacrament refresh 
Thy Christians, hear each prayer. 
And guard from Satan, world, and flesh 
Our souls with tender care. 

Fulfill Thy promises anew: — 
Our numerous sins efface. 
With living faith our hearts imbue, 
And give us grace for grace. 

Increase in us the flame of love 
Our joy and hope renew 
In these last days so perilous 
When storms around us brew. 
32 



And, lastly, — make us steadfast, Lord, 
That when Thou wilt return 
With rich, unmerited reward 
Our lamps may brightly burn. 

THE SWEETEST STORY EVER TOLD 

(Christmas) 

The sweetest story ever told 
Is that of Christ, our Lord, 
Who came to Bethlehem of old 
Great help us to afford. 
Our human brother He became. 
And JESUS is His gracious name. 

The sweetest story ever told 

Is that of Christ, our King, 

Of whom the shepherds by their fold 

Heard angel voices sing, 

"Glory to God, good will to men, 

And peace shall reign on earth again!" 

The sweetest story ever told 

Is that of God's own Child, 

Who myrrh and frankincense and gold 

Received from sages mild 

That from the Orient afar 

Had traveled, guided by a star. 

The sweetest story ever told 
Is that of Jesse's Rod, 
Who, as the prophets had foretold, 
Appeased the wrath of God, 
And, dying for us on the cross. 
Made restitution for our loss. 
33 



The sweetest story ever told 

Should be retold anew 

Wherever sorrows manifold 

The hearts of men pursue ; 

For all that trust this Child rejoice: 

God's grace is ours and paradise. 

The sweetest story ever told 
Will be the glorious theme 
That will resound a thousandfold 
Before the Throne Supreme, 
Where saints with angels evermore 
Our blessed Saviour will adore. 

FROM JESSE'S GENERATION 

(A translation of Es ist ein Rets entsprungen) 

From Jesse's generation 

A tender Stem arose, 

The hope of Judah's nation, 

And bore a lovely Rose. 

This Plant so long foretold 

Sprang forth amid night's shadows 

In winter bleak and cold. 

This Plant of which Esaias 
Did speak in days of yore 
Was Jesus, whom the pious, 
Pure Virgin Mary bore 
At night, in poverty. 
According to God's gracious 
Foreknowledge and decree. 



34 



This lovely Rose, and fragrant, 
Dispels the gloomy night 
Of our transgressions flagrant, 
And gives us heavenly light. 
O God-man good and kind, 
Rescue from sin and sorrow 
And death in Thee we find. 

I FEEL LIKE CRYING FOR JOY 

I feel like crying for joy. 
When the Christmas-gospel I hear; 
God's Son became our ally 
Against the foes that we fear, — 
O message of love and cheer! 

The Helper who reconciles 
The world with His Father is born; 
In the manger He lies and smiles; 
O friends, be no longer forlorn. 
With faith your hearts adorn. 

The angels in pious mirth 
Sing glory to God in the air. 
They herald peace on earth 
And good will everywhere; 
O world, forget thy care ! 

ANOTHER YEAR OF GRACE 

Another year! God's wondrous love 
Is ever, ever new; 
His precious bounties from above 
Flow on, for He is true. 

35 



The records of our bygone sins 
Sink in oblivion's sea; 
Another year of grace begins, 
Free grace for you and me. 

Another year ! The Lord be blessed ! 
He leads, and we march on, 
Until we reach th' eternal rest 
Where time and sin are gone. 

IN OUR SAVIOUR'S NAME 

In our Saviour's name 
We begin the year; 
He remains the same, 
Fellow-Christians dear. 
On His love and power 
Let us, then, rely 
Every day and hour 
As the years go by. 

True, we do not know 
What the year may bring, 
Happiness or woe; 
Therefore let us cling 
To our Lord in prayer, 
Who is always nigh 
With His watchful care 
As the years go by. 

In the future, too. 
As our Strength and Light 
He will help us do 
What is good and right, 



36 



Pardoning our faults, 
Foiling from on high 
Satan's fierce assaults 
As the years go by. 

And our hope is this, 
That when life is past, 
Everlasting bliss 
Will be ours at last. 
When we die, we go 
To the Lord, our Joy. 
Oh ! this cheers us so 
As the years go by. 

Welcome, then, new year! 
Whatsoe'er betides, 
Christ, our Shepherd dear, 
With His fold abides. 
On His grace and power 
Let us still rely 
Every day and hour 
As the years go by. 

THE NEW YEAR 

Where'er we are in this new year, 
God and His grace are with us. 
The Holy Ghost and Jesus dear 
At every place are with us. 

Of dangers dark we're not afraid, 
For angels bright are with us. 
Celestial hosts with mighty aid 
By day and night are with us. 



37 



Our sins condemn us nevermore, 
The words of life are with us. 
The truths that stand forevermore, 
Despite all strife are with us. 

Thanks be to God! Joy, peace, and hope 
Of heaven's sweet May are with us. 
We know our path, we need not grope, 
The rays of day are with us. 



NEW YEAR'S REFLECTIONS 

^'Let us, then, be up and doing" 

— Longfellow 

Christ has led us very kindly 
During all the bygone days, 
Though we sinned against Him blindly 
In so many ways. 

He has pardoned our transgressions, 
And has claimed us as His own, 
Making for us intercession 
At His Father's throne. 

And with many a lovely treasure 
Daily He delighted us, 
Granting us of gifts a measure 
Rich and bounteous. 

When life's grievous imperfection 
Deeply pained and saddened us, 
His free grace and warm affection 
Greatly gladdened us. 

38 



With His help He will provide us 
Also on each coming day; 
With His mercy He will guide us 
In the narrow way. 

All the tasks that He imposes 
He will help us to pursue ; 
We shall love the Law of Moses 
In this new year, too. 

These reflections tend to make us 
Full of gratitude and cheer, 
For our Lord will not forsake us; 
Wherefore should we fear? 

"Let us, then, be up and doing" 
Ere our fleeting life is gone, 
Our endeavors still renewing; — 
JESUS leads us on! 

ALONE BY FAITH 

(Good Friday) 

Why hast Thou lain upon Thy countenance, 
Lord, in Gethsemane? 

Why hast Thou vehemently fought with death, 
Exceeding sorrowful? 

Why has Thy agony been so great that drops 
Of blood fell from Thy forehead? 
Why hast Thou suffered that ungodly crew 
To lay their hands on Thee? 
Why hast Thou suffered them to vex Thy soul 
With cruel mockery? 

Why hast Thou, Lamb, allowed Thy foes t' adjudge 
39 



Thee as a base blasphemer? 

Why hast Thou suffered to be spitted on, 

Although Thou wast almighty, 

And to be scourged and crowned with thorns,— 

man 
Of abject misery? — 

Why hast Thou stood before the furious people 
Who clamored for Thy death, 
And why hast Thou allowed that unjust judge 
His verdict to pronounce? 
Why hast Thou borne the heavy tree of shame 
Upon Thy holy shoulder? 
Why hast Thou willingly, without complaint. 
Stretched out Thy hands and feet? 
Why hast Thou tasted all the pangs of hell 
Unto the bitter dregs, 

When Thou, enshrouded in the blackest night, 
Forsaken wast by God ? — 

Why hast Thou bowed Thy weary head and died. 
Between two malefactors. 
While in God's house the veil was rent in twain ?- 

tell me. Lord, why? — why? — 

''Because of thy salvation, sinful man. — 

1 have performed the work; 

Accept this offering of free grace and love 
By faith, alone by faith!" 



40 



THE EASTER MESSAGE 

The rosy dawn proclaims the coming day ; 
Behold three pious women on their way. 

They hasten to anoint Christ crucified, 
Their blessed Master, who, alas! has died. 

One thought disturbs them ere they reach His grave, 
"Who will remove the stone before the cave?" 

But, lo! as they approached the place, they saw 
The open sepulcher with fear and awe. 

For in it sat an angel clothed in white, 

Who said : *'0 women, be not filled with fright ! 

"Jesus of Nazareth who lay here dead 
Is risen. Go, these joyful tidings spread." 

O glorious Easter message full of balm 

For sinful hearts, thou bring'st us heavenly calm. 

Now we are sure that faith is not a dream, 
For He that rose must be the Lord Supreme. 

Then, too, Christ's resurrection makes it clear 
That all His words are truthful and sincere. 

And that the world is truly reconciled 

To God, who raised our Substitute, His Child; 

And, lastly, that — O joy! — on Judgment Day 
We also shall arise and live for aye. 

Hence let us keep this feast aright forsooth 
With the unleavened bread of unfeigned truth. 
41 



SWEET EASTER BELLS 

Sweet Easter bells, 

Your ringing tells 

Of exultation, 

Of free salvation 

For every nation, 

And life and immortality. 

Ye bells proclaim 
Our Saviour's fame — 
The end victorious 
Of His most glorious 
And meritorious 
Self-sacrifice on Calvary. 

The Christ arose 
From pain and woes; 
He ends our misery, 
He cures our malady, 
Our sad fatality, 
And blesses us eternally. 

Ye bells proclaim 

That in the name 

Of Christ, the Crucified, 

Who for us bled and died, 

The world is justified 

And cleansed from all iniquity. 

Sweet Easter bells. 
Your ringing tells 
Of exultation. 
Of free salvation 
For every nation. 
And life and immortality. 
42 



THE LORD IS RISEN 

On Easter Day the Prince of Life, 
The Victor in the deadly strife, 
Our Lord, who died on Calvary, 
Rose from His grave triumphantly. 
Hallelujah! 

The human race in bondage lay, 
But Jesus took its sin away, 
Led captive our captivity, 
O'ercame our foes, and set us free. 
Hallelujah! 

The Lord is risen, and was seen 
By weeping Mary Magdalene, 
By His disciples, one and all, 
And others, finally by Paul. 
Hallelujah! 

He that is risen from the dead 
Now lives forever as our Head, 
Nor will His members ever die ; 
This message fills our hearts with joy. 
Hallelujah! 

The Lord is risen that we all 
By faith might rise from Adam's fall, 
And henceforth to our Saviour cling, 
Until in heaven we shall sing: 
Hallelujah! 



43 



WHEN EASTER DAWNS 

When Easter dawns, 
And snow-white lilies bloom, 
We stand in triumph at the empty tomb. 
From which the Victor over death arose, 
And every heart is filled with sweet repose 

When Easter dawns. 

When Easter dawns. 
We are assured anew 
That Jesus is the Christ, our Helper true, 
And that His Father is our Father too. 
Hence, let the Church its hymns of joy renew 

When Easter dawns. 

When Easter dawns, 
And spring awakes from sleep, 
We do not, hopeless, stand at graves and weep 
For Christ brought immortality to light. 
Then let us praise the Saviour, our Delight, 

When Easter dawns. 



EASTER 

Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God 
with power . . .by the resurrection from the 
dead. Rom. i, 4. 

Christ was declared with power 
God's Son on Easter Day, 
Our mighty Shield and Tower, 
Our only Strength and Stay, — 



44 



The Helper sent from heaven, 
Whom we can trust indeed, 
The Lamb for sinners given, 
The Friend in sorest need. 

He was declared with power 
The Life, the Truth, the Way 
To heav'n's unfading bower. — 
O blessed Easter Day! 



CHRIST RETURNED TO HEAVEN ON 
HIGH 

Christ returned to heaven on high 
On Ascension Day 
That we, too, with heartfelt joy 
There might wend our way. 

May we ever set our heart 
On the things above. 
Ever choose the needful part 
Of His tender love. 

May we walk as heaven's heirs 
Ever here below; 
May earth's fleeting joys and cares 
Not engross us so. 

May we confidently pray 
To the Son of God 
As we tread this earthly way 
Which He, too, has trod. 



45 



May we use His means of grace 

Conscientiously, 

Till we shall behold His face 

In eternity. 

PENTECOSTAL PRAYER 

O Holy Ghost, 
Who wast poured out 
On Whitsunday 
With fiery tongues 
On Christ's Apostles, 
And rearest up 
The Church's temple 
Even to-day 
Of living stones; — 
Thy power display! 

O Holy Ghost, 
Thou Oil of Gladness, 
Descend from heaven 
And fill our hearts 
Despite our sins 
With faith and love. 
With life and truth, 
That we may be 
Vessels of grace 
Prepared by Thee. 

O Holy Ghost, 
Spirit of Truth, 
Enlighten us, 
Remind us of 
The Saviour's words, 
Expound to us 
The mysteries 

46 



Of godliness, 
Direct our steps — 
Uphold and bless! 

O Holy Ghost, 
Thou Comforter, 
Stand by us in 
The thick of fight, 
Help us to pray. 
Teach us to brave 
Life's somber storms 
And perilous. 
And reach th' abode 
Prepared for us! 



TRINITY SUNDAY 

The Father sent His Son from heaven's throne. 
To save the fallen was our Lord's endeavor; 
O let us praise such love to sinners shown, 
And glorify the Triune God forever! 

The Saviour freed us from our dreadful plight, 
And will He ever leave us? Never, never! 
It it our duty, then, and sacred right 
To glorify the Triune God forever. 

The Spirit makes us firm in faith and love, 
Christ and His Church no enemy can sever. 
In safety we shall reach our home above, 
And glorify the Triune God forever. 



47 



OUR ASSURANCE 

{Reformation festival) 

The Church will never fall, 

Nor be reduced to thrall; 

Our Lord Himself protects His fold, 

And leads it on to joys untold. 

The Church will never fall. 
For God's great Gospel call: 
"Repent, and trust in Christ alone," 
Still lives and sounds from zone to zone. 

The Church will never fall; 

We need not fear at all ; 

"God's Word and Luther's doctrine pure 

Will to eternity endure." 

LUTHER EMERGED VICTORIOUSLY 

Luther emerged victoriously 
From his heroic fight 
Against the emperor and the pope. 
Yea, Satan's guile and might. 

The unadulterated Truth 

He pointed out to men; 

The Word that saves immortal souls 

He brought to light again. 

As Luther battled valiantly, 
So we must fight and win 
The victory o'er unbelief, 
O'er heresy and sin. 

48 



For many cast their pearl away, 
And cling to gilded dross; 
They are ashamed of Jesus Christ, 
They stumble at His cross. 

Oh, let us, then, hold fast our crown, 
God's pure and precious Word, 
Till we shall magnify above 
The mercy of our Lord. 

THE CHURCH'S REFORMATION 

The Christian Church was not indeed 
Reformed by Luther's power; 
But God Himself performed this deed 
At His appointed hour. 

He sent His servant, who exposed 
The Antichrist's deceit. 
Proclaimed good tidings, and disclosed 
The "Lamp unto our feet." 

Oh, therefore let us celebrate 
The Jubilee* aright 
And to our God rededicate 
Our hearts each day and night. 

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO 

A bold monk nailed a message 

With the Spirit of God aglow 

To the door of Wittenberg's castle church 

Four hundred years ago. 



*The four hundredth anniversary of the Reforma- 
tion. 

49 



The blows of his hammer sounded 
A fearless note indeed ; 
The Reformation of the Church 
Was begun by his manly deed. 

And lo! the precious Gospel 

Of Christ sent forth its rays, 

Arousing the world to a new springtime 

Of Pentecostal days. 

And the Roman pontiff trembled, 

For his wickedness was revealed 

By the Spirit of God ; but the monk was calm 

God's Word his sword and shield. 

He opened the Holy Scripture 
For the people, and broke their bands, 
/\nd God was served aright again 
With heart and mouth and hands. 

Let us thank our God for His own deed 
Four hundred years ago, 
And carefully guard our inheritance 
That frees our souls from woe. 

But let us also be eager 
To spread this Message of grace; 
For only the old, old Gospel truth 
Can save the human race. 



50 



THE TIME IS DRAWING NIGH 

(Twenty-sixth Sunday after Trinity) 

The time is drawing nigh 
When we shall see our Lord, 
Descending to us from on high, 
According to His Word. 

Before His awful throne 
All men of every land, 
Of every clime and every zone 
Will congregated stand. 

The Saviour will divide 
The godless from His sheep, 
Who in His grace alone confide, 
And His commandments keep. 

And then He will invite 

His flock to dwell with Him 

In heay'n, the home of pure delight, 

And join the angels' hymn. 

But woe unto the band 
Of sinners on His left! 
They'll go to the accursed land, 
Of joy and hope bereft. 

Beloved Saviour, hear! 

Preserve us in Thy grace. 

That, when Thou shalt as Judge appear, 

We may not dread Thy face. 



51 



THANKSGIVING DAY 

Father, for our clothes and food, 
For Thy tender, loving care, 
Rain and sunshine, light and air, 
We give thanks, for Thou art good. 

Saviour, for Thy Holy Word, 
For Thy grace, unique, benign. 
And Thy Sacraments divine 
We give thanks with one accord. 

Holy Spirit, who hast wrought 
Faith within us, praise to Thee! — 
Joyfully and gratefully 
We adore Thee, Triune God! 



52 



FAITH AND ITS FRUITS 



THE FOLLY OF ATHEISM 

An atheist who came to Kircher, the astronomer, 
With whom he was acquainted, saw a newly pur- 
chased globe 
Of splendid execution in the scholar's room, and 

asked, 
''Who made this work? Whence came it?" Quietly 

the owner said, 
"It came from no place; no one made it; of its own 

accord 
It must have placed itself here in my room for 

handy use." 
Excitedly the infidel exclaimed, "Why do you not 
Insult me in some other way than by such foolish 

talk?" 
But Kircher with great emphasis replied, "True, 

foolish talk 
You justly call it to assert that this my globe, which 

is 
Only a little and imperfect picture of the world. 
Came into being by mere chance ; but is it not indeed 
A greater folly to believe that no one made and rules 
The universe?" — The fool says in his heart. There 

is no God. 



55 



WE SHALL UNDERSTAND 

Now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face 
to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know 
even as also I am known. I Cor. 13, 12. 

Many a doctrine, Christians dear, 
To our reason seems not clear, 
This does not perplex us though, 
Nor our faith o'erthrow. 

For these glorious teachings far, 
Far above our reason are; 
We must own that we but know 
Little here below. 

Can we fathom depths unknown, 
Measure the eternal throne. 
Or behold our God on high 
With our mortal eye? 

What we cannot comprehend 
We believe, and in the end 
When we'll be in heaven's land. 
We shall understand. 

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH 

The pious father Abraham 
To Canaan out of Haran came. 
A man of faith was he indeed 
And proved it by a marv'llous deed : 
His only son he almost killed 
And thus Jehovah's will fulfilled ; 
His sins God freely did forgive, 
For ''by his faith the just shall live." 

56 



St. Paul dwells very frequently 
And likewise very earnestly 
On this great theme and makes it plain 
That human works are quite in vain, 
If they are done God's wrath t' appease 
And so man's guilty heart to ease, 
And that this truth alone can give 
True peace: by faith the just shall live. 

Under the bushel lay this truth. 

When Luther, Christian hearts to soothe, 

Again this sweet old Word proclaimed ; 

O let us never be ashamed 

Of it, but openly confess: 

Christ Jesus is our Righteousness; 

By grace He doth our sins forgive. 

O joy: by faith the just shall live! 

THE FIRST PSALM 

The man that keepeth not 
With sinners company 
Nor with the vile doth plot 
And scornful men doth flee 
Shall ever blessed be. 

God's Law with great delight 
He studies through the day, 
Bethinks in stilly night. 
And has in mind alway, — 
That man is blest, I say. 



57 



For he is like a tree, 
Which by a river-side 
Bears fruitage seasonably; 
His foliage will abide 
And ever shade provide. 

Success his every plan 
Attends; — but sinners are 
Like chaff, which by the fan 
Is blown, and driven far; 
Their sins their fortune mar. 

In judgment they'll not stand 
Nor in the midst of those 
That keep the Lord's commands; 
The just man's way God knows, 
To ruin the sinner goes. 



THE FRUIT OF FAITH 

To serve our Saviour is so sweet ; 
This world He entered from above, 
And saved us. Therefore it is meet 
To prove our faith by love. 

Oh, let us preach the tidings glad, 
Point sinners to the home above. 
Whose hearts are weary, troubled, sad, 
And prove our faith by love. 

Before we shall be filled with bliss 
In yonder glorious world above, 
We should proclaim Christ's grace in this 
And prove our faith by love. 

58 



THRICE HAPPY HEARTS 

True faith lays hold on grace divine, 
And makes us branches of the Vine. 

Hope cheers our spirits in dismay, 
And points to heaven's blissful day. 

Love longs to serve our Father dear, 
And helps the needy neighbor here. 

Thrice happy hearts which from above 
These gifts receive: faith, hope, and love. 

BECAUSE THE WORLD IS MONEY-MAD 

Because the world is money-mad. 
It is so sad ; 

It is without the Christian's joy, 
The peace of God on high. 

Because the world loves sin and vice. 
It scorns the price 

That Christ has paid for Adam's race. 
And spurns His saving grace. 

But we who are the Lord's rejoice ; 
His gracious voice. 
His Gospel, cheers us every day, 
And guides us on our way. 

How soon life's journey will be o'er. 
And heaven's door 
Will swing wide open to receive 
All pilgrims that believe. 
59 



Hence we are thankful, triumph, sing, 
And praise our King, 
And seek to serve the Lord who bled 
And battled in our stead. 

Oh, world, wilt thou be sad for aye? 

Repent to-day, 

Accept the Gospel, and enjoy 

The peace of God on high. 

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 
(After the German of Ph. S pitta) 

There is no greater beauty, 
No bliss with less annoy. 
Than doing all our duty 
With simple, heartfelt joy. 

In our dear Lord's communion 
We lead a peaceful life. 
Our faith beholds this union 
Amidst all storm and strife. 

- And though no words are spoken, 
We seek His face in prayer. 
Such blessed hours betoken 
Our Saviour's love and care. 

LESSONS FOR CHILDREN 

Little boys and girls should be 
Busy like the ant and bee. 

Like the song-birds they should sing. 
Praising Christ, their Lord and King. 
60 



Like unto the lily fair 

They should bow their heads in prayer. 

Happy faces they should show 
Like the stars that twinkle so. 

And as plants of God above 

They should grow in faith and love. 

LET US BE TRUE CHRISTIANS! 

Let us trust in our dear Master, 
Who has saved us from disaster. 

Let us love Him and adore Him, 
Praying fervently before Him. 

Let us preach to every nation 
His most gracious invitation. 

Let us carry on His labors, 
Rescuing our poor lost neighbors. 

Let us cling to Him who won us 
Until heaven dawns upon us. 

MISSIONARY HYMN 

"Go forth in all the world," our Master said 
To His disciples, "and my Gospel spread." 

O let us follow this divine decree, 

And sound the message sweet o'er land and sea! 

6i 



Our hearts should pray for those that stray like 

sheep 
Without a shepherd near the yawning deep. 

Our hands should willingly and freely give, 
That dying souls may be revived and live. 

Lord, pour on us Thy Spirit's quickening dew, 
And make us missionaries live and true. 

ALSO FOR THEM 

So many unbelievers 
And heathen go astray 
In spiritual helplessness, 
In sorrow and dismay. 

The promise of the Gospel 

Is also meant for thrm; 

The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, 

Was also shed for them. 

Oh, let us, then, have pity 

On them in their distress. 

And lead them from those barren wilds 

To faith and happiness. 

"REJOICE EVERMORE" 

I Thess. 5, 1 6 

We sometimes blunder so, 
Poor mortals that we be. 
That things are often here below 
Replete with misery. 
62 



But Christ our griefs allays 
With mercies numberless; 
Then let us magnify His praise 
By constant happiness. 

AGAIN THE NIGHT HAS ENDED 

Aginn the night has ended, 
Again I leave my bed ; 
My God, Thou hast defended 
Thy child from harm and dread. 

And now there is before me 
My work, the day's demand ; 
Dear Father, I implore Thee, 
Lend me a helping hand! 

EACH DAY 

A little while each day 
I love to steal away 
To poetry; 

It sheds its blessed ray 
On me and makes me gay, 
Just like a child in May, 
Prom sorrow free. 

A little while each day 

I love to sing a lay 

Of Jiature sweet, 

Of work and happy play, 

Of flower and shady way, 

Of fruit on golden tray. 

And many a treat. 

63 



A little while each day 
I love to kneel and pray- 
To God on high. 
Though man is only clay 
The Lord says never nay, 
He helps without delay; 
To Him I fly. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER 

Our Father in heaven, we pray to Thee, 

Who sittest in eternity 

On Thy great white throne of infinite fame, 

O grant us Thy Spirit to hallow Thy name 

By holy doctrine and godliness 

Amidst the strife and artfulness 

Of the wicked world which is ever erecting 

A tower of Babel, Thy grace rejecting. — 

Increase on earth Thy Kingdom of grace, 

Let Thy Word run swiftly from place to place 

To the distant heathen that droop and pine; 

Lord, let Thy countenance on them shine 

And hasten the coming of Eden's cheer. — 

Grant that we may not only hear 

Thy Word but also do Thy will; 

With daily bread Thy children fill. 

Forgive our transgressions, — so will we 

Forgive our debtors heartily. — 

When the temptations of life surround us 

And Satan, world, and flesh would confound us. 

Bruise the old serpent under our feet 

With its allies, and after the heat 

And toil of the day, when we long for rest. 

Take us to heaven, the home of the blest, 

Where neither sin is found nor ill. 

64 



O faithful God, our prayer fulfill; 

For Thine is the Kingdom, great King of kings, 

Who rulest with wisdom and kindness all things, 

And Thine is the power and the praise. — 

To all eternity, Ancient of days, 

Thou shalt be glorified by us ; 

Amen, yea, yea, it shall be thus! 

BEFORE THEY CALL, I WILL ANSWER 

Is. 65, 24 

Along the wire with lightning's speed 
The message flies in hour of need. 

But faster wings the prayer its flight 
Which flees to God from sorrow's night. 

And even ere that ardent sigh 
Has left the heart the help is nigh. 

GOD'S GREAT ETERNITY 

Music, poetry, and art 
Beautify my way. 
But pure rapture fills my heart 
When to God I pray. 

Radiance from paradise 
Draws my thoughts above ; 
Solemnly my words arise 
To the throne of Love. 

From life's storms so cold and bleak 
I repair to grace. 
In the name of Christ I seek 
My Creator's face. 

65 



From the mansions of the blest 
Kind Jehovah hears; 
To His arms I fly — and rest, 
Free from doubts and fears. 

Earthly mists depart from me, 
And I breathe the air 
Of God's great eternity 
In the hour of prayer. 

MY PRAYER 

Son of God, Thy face I seek. 
Make me patient, mild, and meek, 
Willingly the evil bearing. 
And Thy holy name declaring. 
Gracious Saviour, hear my prayer! 

Son of God, Thy face I seek. 
Nearer to the mountain-peak 
Of true holiness direct me; 
Jesus, more and more perfect me, 
Guiding me with watchful care. 

Son of God, Thy face I seek. 
When this mortal life seems bleak. 
Let Thy mercy shine around me; 
Lead me on, for Thou hast found me 
Be Thou with me everywhere. 

Son of God, Thy face I seek. 
I am full of sin, and weak. 
Ever teach me Thy love's story, 
And receive me in Thy glory; 
Heavenly joy will greet me there. 
66 



BELIEVE IN GOD! 

Believe in God, 

For He is ever thine; 

However dark the path which thou hast trod, 

There is no reason why thy heart should pine 

And with deep gloom anticipate the morrow, 

Thou mak'st thy load but heavier by such sorrow ; 

Rely on Him who is forever near thee; 

He knows a thousand ways to help and cheer thee 

For Jesus' sake thou art His child and heir; 

Abandon torturing doubts and anxious care' 

And seek in daily earnest prayer His face, 

Enduring willingly His chastening rod. 

For thou wilt yet behold and taste His erace- 

Believe in God ! 

Believe in God 

And listen to His voice, 

His promise is no empty, withered pod. 

But thou wilt taste its kernel and rejoice ; 

Be still; His hour will come; perhaps to-morrow 

Or e en to-day His hand may turn thy sorrow; 

Rely on Him who is forever near thee; 

He knows a thousand ways to help and cheer thee; 

Cry in our Saviour's name and persevere; 

Thy heavenly Father counts thy every tear' 

And sigh, with great compassion. Christ will guide 

And guard thee ever with His "beautious rod"* 

And lead to heaven thee at eventide ; 

Believe in God ! 

*Zech. ID, 7. 

67 



OUR TREASURES 

When tears of pain drop from our eyes, 

It is so helpful, good, and wise 

To view our treasures which we prize: 

Our Saviour's grace, our Father's love. 
The presence of the Holy Dove, 
And our inheritance above. 

How fleeting is our earthly woe! 
We're only wanderers here below. 
To our beloved home we go. 

GOD'S GRACE 

O God, how great and glorious is Thy grace 
Which Thou bestow'st on Adam's fallen race! 

Great joy transports me, as the time goes by. 
Because Thy Judgment Day is drawing nigh. 

From that day forth our earthly pain will cease, 
But perfect bliss will reign and heavenly peace. 

For when we shall have entered Thy abode, 
Our life will be an everlasting ode. 



68 



NATURE AND OTHER SUBJECTS 



SPRING IS NEAR 

Winter, thy breath is cold 
And pierces like a spear 
Thrown by a robber bold 
Or cruel buccaneer — 
But happy spring is near. 

The trees look bare and brown, 
The fields forlorn and sear, 
All nature wears a frown. 
And yet I'm of good cheer, 
For gentle spring is near. 

True faith lifts up our hearts 

Into a higher sphere. 

And when earth's sorrow smarts, 

Hope takes away our fear. 

For heaven's sw^eet spring is near. 

SNOWFLAKES AND ROSES 

The snowflakes are in winter-time 

What roses are in spring, 

As messengers, God's messengers, 

Their lovely songs they sing. 

The snow proclaims His purity. 

The roses red. His love. 

O messengers, God's messengers. 

Direct our thoughts above! 



71 



A SPRING DAY 

Let him who will, be worried, 
But, friends, let us be gay. 
Let grief and fear be buried — 
The sky's so blue to-day! 

Why not enjoy the weather 
And drive dull care away? 
Let's just be glad together — 
The suns so bright to-day! 

THE GLORIES OF SPRING 

O the colors of the world 

Are so fair, 

When its banners are unfurled 

Everywhere. 

O these early days of spring 
Are so bright, 

That they make a person sing 
With delight. 

IN SPRINGTIME 

Hear my little ditty: — - 
My delight is great; 
Nature looks so pretty 
In her robe of state. 

At this festal season 
I proclaim her fame; 
And this is my reason: 
She's a sunny dame. 
72 



so IS A GREAT IDEA 

The sun with royal splendor 
Transforms the sea and land 
And makes a laughing picture 
E'en of the desert sand. 

So is a great idea; — 
Pervading us, it throws 
Poetic charm and radiance 
On ordinary prose. 

RETURNING FROM A WALK 

Returning from a walk 
In good old summertime, 
I had a pleasant talk 
And then I penned this rime. 

The sunshine, land, and air, 
The hue of woods and sky 
Had freed my heart from care 
And filled my soul with joy. 

GOD'S GOODNESS 

We justly call thee queen. 
Sweet rose; how fair thou art! 
Our God prepared thy fragrant sheen 
With truly wondrous art. 

Dear birds, in forest bowers 
You chirp your glad refrain; 
Your Maker gave you songs and flowers 
And built your green domain. 
73 



You fish in waters blue, 
You beasts upon the land, 
The Lord our God created you, 
Sustains you with His hand. 

And so He cares for us, 
His sons and daughters, too. 
With goodness free, magnanimous. 
And ever, ever new. 

THE RAIN POURED DOWN ABUNDANT- 
LY 

The rain poured down abundantly 
Upon the thirsty soil. 
Supplying our necessity 
And blessing human toil. 

Our God be praised ! The drought is gone. 
Rejoice, O world of men. 
The field that languished, bush, and lawn 
Appear refreshed again. 

And now the sun with smiling rays 
The earth, our mother, woos. 
And nature as in vernal days 
Displays its brightest hues. 

Behold the rainbow in the sky, 
More beautiful than gold ; 
The Lord who hears our every sigh 
Is faithful as of old. 



74 



WITH MY WIFE AND CHILD 

When my work was done to-day, 
Evening breezes mild 
Wafted peace and joy to me, 
For I sat beneath a tree 
With my wife and child. 

Care and din had fled away, 

Turbulent and wild. 

And my heart was light and free 

As I chatted merrily 

With my wife and child. 

Pleasant talk and laughter gay 
Hour by hour beguiled ; 
Fond affection on me beamed. 
And the sweetest dreams I dreamed 
With my wife and child. 

O how kind is God alway. 
Who in mercy mild 
Thus befriends and blesses me; 
May His blessings also be 
With my wife and child! 



75 



HOME-KEEPING HEARTS ARE HAPPIEST 

The autumn leaves have fallen weeks ago, 
The wind is prowling like a hungry wolf, 
Cold winter sways his scepter out-of-door, 
Now is the time of joy and rest within. 
How calmly every day is gliding by ; 
This afternoon seems like a happy dream, 
My wife is making little Christmas gifts, 
Our boy is playing with his colored toys, 
And I am studying an Advent text; 
Tranquillity pervades our thoughts and hearts, 
O quiet home life full of poetry. 



TO-DAY I VISITED MY FRIEND 

To-day I visited my friend. 
We understand each other, 
Our souls harmoniously blend, 
I love him like a brother. 

I talked till late at night with him. 
And all my joy and sorrow 
I freely did confide to him. 
Relief from him to borrow. 

He too poured out his heart to me. 
And so our conversation 
Became a mutual ministry 
Of precious consolation. 



76 



ONE MAN IS VERY RICH 

One man is very rich, but also very sad ; 
Another's purse is light, and yet his heart is glad. 

The one on horseback rides, the other on Shank's 

mare ; 
Is this a great mistake upon the earth so fair? 

Oh no! — How much you have, my friend, is all the 

same ; 
But how to use it right should be your earnest aim. 

THE BLESSINGS OF LABOR 

After laboring strenuously 
You will relish life 
Calmness and ability 
Follow toil and strife. 

War on indolence declare, 
Worthy tasks pursue; 
Then will blessings choice and rare 
Still descend on you. 

LINES CONCERNING A WORK TO BE 
PERFORMED 

Saviour, for this deed 
Thy advice I need. 

Anxious nervousness 
Causes but distress. 

Real health impart 
To my inmost heart. 

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Trust in God provide; — 
Foresight be my guide. 

Teach me industry, 
Grant ability. 

Like a pioneer 
Let me persevere. 

My endeavors bless, 
Crown my eagerness! 

TO-DAY WE MET IN CONFERENCE 

To-day we met in conference. 
It was a treat for me ; 
I did not feel the slightest 
Displeasure or ennui. 

Discussions proved instructive, 
A help in time of need ; 
The brethren's chat was also 
Enjoyable indeed. 

A PRAYER FOR PEACE 

{Written i?i 191 5) 

O Lord of Hosts, who makest wars to cease, 
Have mercy on the world, restore its peace! 

O Thou that visitest with punishment 
The evil-doers that they might repent, 

And raisest them again, if they deplore 

Their fall, have faith, and henceforth sin no more, 

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Incline the rulers' hearts to peace! Extend 
Thy helping hand again. The conflict end, 

And with it devastation, loss of life. 
And all the horrors of this awful strife! 

Especially our country dear preserve. 
And do not deal with us as we deserve. 

As heretofore, bless us continually 
With peace and undisturbed prosperity. 

O God and Father, grant our prayer in grace, 
For in the name of Christ we seek Thy face. 

PEACE 

Yesterday I was depressed, 
But to-day I'm glad again. 
For we earthborn people are 
To continual change subjected, — 
And yet I carry 
Abiding peace. 
The sweet peace of JESUS, 
Within my heart; — 
And this is my motto: — 
To weep o'er my faults. 
To trust in Christ's grace, 
To live not unto self 
And sin, 

But to serve my God and my neighbor 
In love; 

To devote myself 
To art, in my sphere. 
And to limit my endeavor 
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To what God has given me 
As my talent, 
Utilizing it well ; 
Bringing forth fruit 
With patience, 
And waiting 
For eternal life. 

HOME 

Whether I work or whether I pray, 

When I am sad and when I am gay. 

Withersoever I roam, 

When I was young, when I shall be gray, 

Ever and ever I am on the way, 

I'm on the way to my home. 

Dear are the faces I love here on earth. 
Golden the hours of contentment and mirth 
Under the heavenly dome, 
But the most happy and glorious day 
Shines not on earth, for I am on the way, 
I'm on the way to my home. 

I'm on the way to God's garden of light. 
Where I shall pick thousand flowers of delight 
Not to be found on earth's loam ; 
Heaven's bliss and beauty will never decay, 
Never grow older; I am on the way, 
I'm on the way to my home. 



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